Pacquiao Jr. Faces Gates in Undercard Bout as Taduran Defends Title

Manny Pacquiao Promotions returns to Pechanga Resort Casino with a stacked fight card on April 3.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:09pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a boxing match, with sharp planes of color and form representing the intensity of the fight.A cubist interpretation of the upcoming boxing showdown between rising Filipino talent and boxing royalty.Temecula Today

Manny Pacquiao Promotions is hosting a boxing event at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California on April 3, 2026. The main event features IBF Minimumweight Champion Pedro 'The Destroyer' Taduran defending his title against Mexican challenger Gustavo 'Smiley' Perez Alvarez. In the featured undercard bout, Jimuel 'Manny' Pacquiao Jr., the son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, will face Darrick 'The Buck' Gates in a four-round lightweight fight as Pacquiao Jr. seeks his first professional win.

Why it matters

This event showcases rising Filipino talent in Taduran and the next generation of the Pacquiao boxing dynasty in Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. It represents an opportunity for Taduran to make his U.S. debut and for Pacquiao Jr. to build his professional record, all while honoring the Pacquiao family's enduring legacy in the sport.

The details

In the main event, the 29-year-old Filipino southpaw Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) will defend his IBF Minimumweight title against the 27-year-old Mexican challenger Alvarez (16-1, 5 KOs). Taduran is known for his relentless pressure, body work, and knockout power, while Alvarez brings a slick, technical style and solid power. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds at the 105-pound limit. In the featured undercard, the 20-year-old Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (0-0-1) will face the 36-year-old American Darrick 'The Buck' Gates (0-1 in boxing, 1-6 BKFC record) in a four-round lightweight fight. Pacquiao Jr., trained by his father, is seeking his first professional win after debuting with a draw, while Gates brings toughness and experience from multiple combat sports.

  • The event takes place on Friday, April 3, 2026 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.
  • The main event ringwalks are expected around 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT.

The players

Pedro 'The Destroyer' Taduran

The 29-year-old Filipino southpaw is the reigning IBF Minimumweight Champion, known for his relentless pressure, body work, and knockout power.

Gustavo 'Smiley' Perez Alvarez

The 27-year-old Mexican challenger brings a slick, technical style and solid power to the ring as he looks to dethrone Taduran and claim the IBF Minimumweight title.

Jimuel 'Manny' Pacquiao Jr.

The 20-year-old son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is seeking his first professional win after debuting with a draw, carrying on his family's enduring legacy in the sport.

Darrick 'The Buck' Gates

The 36-year-old American fighter brings toughness and experience from multiple combat sports, including a 1-6 record in bare-knuckle fighting, as he faces the younger Pacquiao Jr.

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What they’re saying

“This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills on the big stage and defend my title. I'm excited to make my U.S. debut and put on a show for the fans.”

— Pedro Taduran, IBF Minimumweight Champion

“I'm ready to shock the world and take down the Pacquiao name. This is my chance to prove myself against a rising star.”

— Darrick Gates

What’s next

Fans will be eager to see if Taduran can successfully defend his title against the tough Mexican challenger Alvarez, and whether Pacquiao Jr. can earn his first professional win against the experienced Gates.

The takeaway

This Manny Pacquiao Promotions event showcases the next generation of Filipino boxing talent in Taduran and Pacquiao Jr., carrying on the family's legacy in the sport and promising an exciting night of action for fans.